Choosing route of delivery for the macrosomic infant of a diabetic mother: Cesarean section versus vaginal delivery

The macrosomic fetus of a diabetic woman faces increased risk for injury at the time of vaginal birth. Cesarean section offers the promise of avoiding trauma to the fetus, but can result in increased morbidity in the mother as compared to vaginal delivery. In this article, the advantages and disadvantages of the two routes of delivery for the overgrown fetus of a diabetic mother are discussed. Specifically, data regarding risk of permanent neurological damage to the infant from vaginal delivery, and maternal morbidity from elective, pre-labor Cesarean delivery are critically examined. In addition, methods for diagnosing macrosomia by ultrasound are discussed, along with the benefits and pitfalls of ultrasonic fetal weight estimation in the setting of diabetes. Finally, management approaches for selecting route of delivery for the macrosomic fetus are described and analyzed.